in the preceding instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the preceding instance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer back to a previously mentioned example or situation in a discussion or text. Example: "In the preceding instance, we observed that the results were significantly different from our expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Incorrect transcription in the preceding centuries (some 14 instances are beyond repair), however, has invited frequent and often uncertain emendation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A student who went into detox in his first month of school, for instance, confided to a dean that in the preceding summer he had been the sole survivor of a car accident that killed several friends.

The New York Times

For instance, the 32 × 32 matrices described in the preceding section will have 3969 discrete directions.

Earth, Planets and Space

These attacks were prefigured by multiple instances of xenophobic violence throughout the country in the preceding years.

Johns Hopkins University

As requested in the preceding document.

Princeton University

For instance, a study by the consulting firm William M. Mercer reported 73% that major changes to their performance-management plans in the preceding two years, as they experimented with different ways to tie pay to individual performance.

Harvard Business Review

Stock prices had dropped in the preceding week.

The New York Times

In the preceding.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

In the preceding decade, $60bn was donated.

BBC

194 In the preceding chapter.

University of Chicago

That's exactly what has happened in the preceding years.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in the preceding instance", ensure that the instance you are referring to is clearly defined and easily identifiable by the reader or listener. This avoids ambiguity and maintains clarity in your communication.

Common error

Avoid using "in the preceding instance" if the context is vague or if multiple instances have been discussed recently. Be specific about which instance you are referencing to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the preceding instance" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or clause by providing context about a previous occurrence or example. It serves to connect a current statement to a prior one, enhancing clarity and coherence. Ludwig confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Academia

33%

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in the preceding instance" serves as a prepositional phrase used to refer back to a previously mentioned example or situation, primarily for clarity and context. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While its frequency is rare, it finds its use across academic, news, and scientific writing, indicating a slightly formal tone. For alternatives, consider phrases like "in the previous case" or "as previously mentioned", ensuring that the reference is clear and unambiguous.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the previous case

Replaces "instance" with "case", offering a slightly broader application to situations beyond specific examples.

in the immediately prior case

Emphasizes that the case being referred to is directly before the current one under discussion.

in the foregoing instance

Replaces "preceding" with "foregoing", maintaining a formal tone to refer to something previously mentioned.

in the prior situation

Substitutes "preceding instance" with "prior situation", emphasizing the circumstances rather than the example itself.

in the earlier situation

Similar to "in the prior situation" but uses "earlier" for temporal reference.

in the former example

Replaces "preceding" with "former" and "instance" with "example", focusing on a previously mentioned illustration.

in the above case

Uses "above" to refer to a case mentioned earlier in a written text.

as previously mentioned

Offers a more concise way to refer back to something already discussed, omitting the specific reference to an "instance".

before

Simplifies the phrase to a single word indicating a preceding event or situation.

previously

Adverbial form indicating something that occurred earlier; less specific than the original phrase.

FAQs

How can I use "in the preceding instance" in a sentence?

Use "in the preceding instance" to refer back to a previously mentioned example or situation, such as, "In the preceding instance, we observed a different outcome than expected."

What are some alternatives to saying "in the preceding instance"?

You can use alternatives like "in the previous case", "in the prior situation", or "as previously mentioned", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "in the preceding instance" or "in the previous instance"?

Both "in the preceding instance" and "in the previous instance" are grammatically correct and largely interchangeable. The choice depends on stylistic preference, although "previous" may sound slightly less formal.

What's the difference between "in the preceding instance" and "in the following instance"?

"In the preceding instance" refers to something that has already been mentioned, while "in the following instance" refers to something that will be mentioned next. They are opposites in terms of temporal order.